The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Aurora Williams instinctively frowned at Simone Lerman's words, her expression turning cold.

"Simone, Stella Cameron is my sister. What on earth are you talking about?"

Simone immediately tried to smooth things over when she saw Aurora's anger. "Aurora, don't be upset-I was just joking, that's all. Honestly, not even your brothers, let alone Mr. Williams, would ever agree to something like that."

Aurora's tone was serious. "Simone, we've been friends for years, but I don't want to hear you say things like that again. Not even as a joke."

Simone could tell Aurora was truly upset this time.

She nodded quickly. "I understand, I promise I won't make that kind of joke again." Only then did Aurora's expression soften.

After Stella finished playing "White Moonlight," Marvin Connolly led the applause with enthusiasm.

He glanced around and saw the admiration in everyone's eyes, heard the chorus of praise, and couldn't help feeling a twinge of nervousness.

He leaned in and whispered, "Dad, Stella is so amazing-you really need to step up your game. If you keep dragging your feet, someone else is going to sweep her off her feet."

Neville Connolly's gaze lingered on the woman standing in the spotlight on stage, his eyes unconsciously filled with a gentle warmth.

She was Raven Williams, a Hall of Fame member at Neo-Vespera University and the original composer of "Moonlight."

She was a star, and also the mysterious painter known as Summer...

Who knew what other secrets she held?

She was like a treasure chest, always full of surprises.

Neville turned to Marvin and smiled. "Then you'll have to help me out, son. My happiness in the second half of my life is in your hands."

Marvin thumped his chest solemnly. "Don't worry, Dad. As long as we work together, we're bound to win Stella over."

As they chatted, a faint *crack* suddenly sounded beside them.

They turned in surprise.

In the darkness, they heard the armrest of Joshua's chair snap and fall away.

Marvin was puzzled, but called out, "Mr. Gardner, did your chair break?"

lights

The vere still off, so the room

was

in darkness.

could only see vaguener

one's expression was

Joshua Gardner's reply came, his voice hoarse and rough, a far cry from his usual

clear and gentle tone.

"... Yes, it broke."

Marvin said, "Just hold on a little

Gardner. Once

inger, on starts, we'll havel

security bring you a new

Joshua was popular with kids, and Marvin liked him a lot.

Even though Neville sometimes teased Joshua, he never said a bad word about him in front of Marvin.

After all, a true gentleman doesn't drag children into adult affairs.noveldrama

Joshua's voice was still raspy. "...Alright."

Neville shot Joshua a surprised glance, immediately sensing that something was off about him.

But it was too dark to see much, and he couldn't just lean in and stare, so he turned his attention back to the stage.

Stella performed several more classic pieces, earning another round of thunderous applause from the audience.

After her solo, Antoney Watson and Candida Fletcher took the stage for a duet.

Their chemistry was undeniable, and the pairing of a handsome young man and a beautiful woman made for a striking scene.

Mr. Burton chuckled. "I have to say, young Watson and Candida do make a rather charming couple."

He still had no idea that the elegant Candida was actually his grandson Karl's girlfriend.

Marvin, ever the precocious kid, piped up, Mr. Burton, Miss Candida is so sweet and plays the piano beautifully. She and Mr. Watson really hit it off. Maybe we should give them a little nudge?"